Our Church History
Sometime, about 1850, a small group of Missionary Baptist believers were inspired by God to establish a church.
The original place of worship was located in what now is the Bethel Community. Years later, no one seems to know the date, the congregation chose to move to a log school building on the Jim Ward property, approximately one-fourth mile from where the church stands today.
In the year 1887, a one room clapboard building was erected on the present site, to be known as Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church.
Original Place of Worship 1850’s
Around 1887 this church building was erected on the present site.
In 1926, the people were motivated to build a new sanctuary, but it did not contain classrooms for Sunday School. In the early 1940’s six classrooms were added.
The church was growing both spiritually and physically, so in 1963 the sanctuary was completely remodeled. Carpet, stained glass windows, heat and air conditioning were installed. The grounds were landscaped and the parking lot was paved across the front of the building.
The decision was made in 1968 to construct a modern brick educational building with classrooms, fellowship hall and bathrooms.
Before 1970 ended, the educational building was paid for and thoughts of a new sanctuary began to materialize.
In January, 1972, the furniture was removed from the old sanctuary and placed in the educational building for worship services. The old building was torn down and construction had begun on the current sanctuary in February, 1972.
On a beautiful Sunday morning in October 1972, the congregation worshipped God in the newly completed sanctuary. They knelt at the alter and thanked God for his blessings in the past and asked for His continued guidance in the future of the church.
Old Church Building 1926-1972
Current church building.
During the summer of 2002, the Lord spoke to the heart of a church member about starting a ministry of a child care center at Sweet Home Baptist Church. The Lord was working in a mighty way through the hearts of several church members. Bathed in prayer, Sweet As Home Preschool opened their doors on August 12, 2002. Many community members, including several of our own church members, were employed to care for the children of God placed in this facility. This ministry touched many lives of all ages through the year 2016.
In 2017 the stained glass windows in the sanctuary were replaced with beautiful stained glass windows depicting the life of Jesus from His birth to His ascension.
The ball field was developed in 2008 to provide a place for our church family and community to come together for Christian fun and fellowship.
In 2014 a prayer garden was erected as an Eagle Scout project by Jeremy Rasberry. The garden was dedicated to the memory of Michael Alan Marlowe who was an Eagle Scout of Troop 513.
God has richly blessed Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church! May all that is accomplished be done to glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.